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Monday, June 29, 2015

Well, the last of the Disney World's Starbucks has now opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Still called Creature Comforts (which I think works), the coffee joint seems to be a hit. Our good friend, Melena Perry (follow her @MelenaPerry on the twitters), grabbed some great photos of some of the details of the place.

Like I said before, I think the place looks great, but also looks out of place. It seems more suited for Harambe or, perhaps even more so, the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Discovery Island has a distinct look. A combination of various island styles like the Caribbean and Bali and this ain't that. These more earthy tones seem out of place. But again, it is pretty - I like the paint schemes, the geometric patterns...

Thursday, June 25, 2015

We have seen quite a few indicators in recent months that Disney expects a significant increase in attendance numbers at the Animal Kingdom in the not-too-distant-future. New food offerings, additional pathways around the park, as well as the obvious construction of major new attractions. Over the past week, we have heard about a couple of the more subtle variety of these indicators.

Late last week, OrlandoParkNews.com reported on some new night time entertainment being tested after hours on Discovery Island. There is little in the way of specifics in this report, but they do mention these are “dress rehearsals”, which means to me these are definite future additions and not just auditions for something being considered. With the Rivers of Light nighttime show coming, a new night Safari, and Avatar looking like it will be a real draw after sundown, having other options within the park will be a pressing concern for Imagineers.

But it isn’t just after sunset Disney is concerned about. These new additions will most likely keep the turnstiles spinning throughout the day, even at rope-drop. We are hearing, and it has been reported on many outlets, that Disney will begin testing a new opening procedure for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For the next few weeks, guests will no longer be in long lines snaking around the ticket booths and into the direct sunlight of the courtyard there. Instead, thirty minutes before park opening, guests will be allowed to pass through the turnstiles and enter the Oasis. The “rope” will now be at the top of the Oasis trails by the bridge leading into Discovery Island.

This is a terrific idea, and one that has many benefits. The Oasis is very shady, so if you are like me and can’t stand being stuck on a line with the sun beating down on you, this puts an end to that. But more importantly, the Oasis is amazing and is probably the most under appreciated area of the park while also being the one place most missed by guests. Now, if you get there early, and when it’s busy you should do just that, you can have a full half-hour to see the great animals on exhibit, experience the beauty of your surroundings, and interact with the Cast Members there as well.

These may both be small changes, but if they are another indicator of the future of Disney’s Animal Kingdom then count me in! I love both of these ideas.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

It’s All About the Poop: It isn’t often when something as trivial as a novelty snack at Disney theme parks makes the national press. But when they decide to sell poop, it seems even publications as prestigious as Time Magazine gets on the scoop…the poop scoop if you will. (You walked right into that one!) It seems Zuri’s Sweet Shop has decided to market a few of their new creations as poop…really, read the article and you’ll see what I mean. I just hope this isn’t a trend that catches on.

Starbucks Opens: Late last week the Starbucks location opened at Disney Animal Kingdom, in the former Creature Comforts gift shop on Discovery Island. Oddly enough, they decided to keep a sign that read “Creature Comforts” over the front door. On a positive note, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the “Flat White Latte”, whatever that is, will go toward cotton-top tamarin conservation efforts.

Pocahontas Makes Her Move: For the character meet-and-greet fans out there, it seems Pocahontas has now moved to the Discovery Island Character Landing. While it is nice to still see the character meeting guests, she must long for a return to her days at Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

In the old port of Harambe, there are some amazing posters and wall art that really step up the aesthetics. This theming device was used at the theater district that opened last year. Harambe Market is no exception to the rule of great posters.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Thanks again to Scott Campbell at Dixie Landings Radio for the great photos. Here is some specific items for your perusal. Lets start with barbecue suace.

I need this in my life like yesterday

Not only are the bags cool but African spice popcorn? YES

Cool packaging

This looks amazing and such a cool product

I'm buying these chocolates

I love berbere spices

No idea what this is but I'm in

These are all great. I'm glad its not just a candy store

speaking of sweets, gourmet cocoa looks great and unique

I'm into these unique coffee blends too

Now for the candy counter and these guys

And these cool looking dudes

I really want these cookes

So everything you just saw can be found in Zuri's Sweet Shop. And, at least at this moment, only Zuri's. I find that a fantastic thing. A store that carries a lot of unique items is a must browse for me. So I know I will be here often.